Chapter 5: Straight Telescopic Booms

Straight telescopic booms, also known as “stick” booms, are the most common alternative to articulated booms and are best used on jobsites with no clutter. The ability to transport personnel and materials either vertically or horizontally is useful for many scenarios.

Straight Telescopic Boom Features

Telescopic booms come in many different sizes. An average straight telescopic boom features a platform height between 40 and 80 feet, but it’s not uncommon to see specialized booms with heights of up to 200 feet.

Platform widths typically have a standard size of eight feet or larger, which is one of the widest bases compared to other aerial lifts. The stowed height of most telescopic booms is under 10 feet, and telescopic booms use diesel or dual fuel.

Specialty Uses of Straight Telescopic Booms

Straight telescopic boom lifts are specially designed to reach extremely high locations with minimal horizontal movement.

They are often found in industrial construction projects, along with bridge work, multi-story building construction, and industrial inspection applications.

Considerations for Renting a Straight Telescopic Boom

When renting a telescopic boom, consider the width of the base. Compared to other aerial lifts, straight telescopic boom bases are wider, so your job site must be able to accommodate accordingly.

Depending on your project’s location, you may also want to contemplate the option of renting a rough terrain machine that has outriggers. Booms that are diesel powered and have more reach feature larger price tags for both renting and purchasing options.

Benefits of Straight Telescopic Booms

The main benefit of straight telescopic booms is their ability to provide maximum elevation up to 185 feet. Rough terrain types are also available, which usually have outriggers to stabilize the machine.